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College of Pharmacy professor earns geriatric pharmacy practice honor

by Rodney Tanaka

December 12, 2014

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Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration Janice Hoffman, PharmD, CGP, FASCP, received the 2014 Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Award from the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP).

The award was presented by CCGP Executive Director Thomas Clark and Chair-Elect Mary Ann Zagaria at the opening session of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Annual meeting in Orlando, Florida in November.

The importance of Geriatric Pharmacy Practice is growing rapidly, with an additional 10,000 baby boomers becoming eligible for Medicare every day, said College of Pharmacy Dean Daniel Robinson, PharmD.

"We are very excited about Dr. Hoffman being honored for the Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Award, in a field where there are roughly 2,500 Certified Geriatric Pharmacists worldwide," he said. "We take great pride in knowing that our students are learning from the very best."

The Excellence in Geriatric Pharmacy Practice Award recognizes the certified geriatric pharmacist who fosters the principles of good pharmacy practice, demonstrates excellence in geriatric patient care, and promotes the value and rigorous standards established by the CCGP. Dr. Hoffman is the 14th recipient of the award.

"I was very proud and honored to receive this level of achievement and represent WesternU," Hoffman said.

As the U.S. population ages, geriatric pharmacists will play an increasing role in managing health care needs. Pharmacists have the knowledge and ability to manage medication therapy and decrease the chronic care burden on physicians.

"The way health care is set up right now, we go to many different specialists, but the pharmacist is the only one looking at the overall medication regimen and how they interact," Hoffman said. "As we go forward, pharmacists will be providing more chronic care by monitoring and adjusting the dose of medication for elderly patients, because it’s cost effective, safe and efficient."

Dr. Hoffman has served in many capacities in her pharmacy career — consultant pharmacist in long-term care, Director of Pharmacy at private psychiatric hospitals, clinical coordinator at a regional medical center, and staff pharmacist in community and hospital pharmacies. In addition, Dr. Hoffman has served in many professional leadership roles, including President of the California Chapter of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.

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